#384
Gibbet Hill Grill
Latest Episode
- 9/8/23 | 6:46
About this Episode
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the 500-acre farm-to-table restaurant Gibbet Hill Grill in Massachusetts. Set in an idyllic pastoral location, this is the place to come if you want to get away from the bustle of the city and relax. The menu is inspired by local, seasonal produce, and the wine list offers a fine selection of Old and New World wines. From rich full-bodied reds to creamy whites with notes of ripe pear, peach, and lemon zest, Michaela shares the tasting notes and pairing suggestions that will help you make an informed, and impressive, choice of wine for your guests.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2016 Kooyang Estate Chardonnay Victoria, Australia
-
2018 Familia Torres “Gran Coronos” Reserva, Spain
-
2019 Forlorn Hope Picpoul, Napa Valley
https://gibbethill.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/GHG-Wine-Menu-011523.pdf
Gibbet Hill Grill:
RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!
A podcast where, in each episode, we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I’m your host Robert Tas along with Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.
Hello Michaela, it’s great to be back together for another episode.
MQ: Hi Robert!
RT: Before we jump in, let’s talk about CorkRules.
We created CorkRules to demystify wine lists because we know from experience, that sometimes when we get that list handed to us, well… it can be intimating, and even a little daunting.
Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list, find those hidden gems, or value wines or that special bottle that will take your dining experience over the top.
RT: So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.
RT: Today we are talking about Gibbet Hill Grill in Groton, MA. The definition of farm to table, Gibbet Hill Grill is located on the 500-acre Gibbet Hill Farm and features its own produce farm on site. The incredible views and private dining rooms make Gibbet Hill Grill is a must visit.
Michaela, I can’t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?
MQ: Much like their dining menu, Gibbet Hill Grill’s wine list takes classic to a new level. Unique selections from both Old and New World, many in half bottle options, jump off the page.
RT: That’s really great, as you looked the list did you see anything jump out at you?
MQ: The first wine that caught my eye was the 2016 Kooyang Estate Chardonnay from Victoria, Australia. This Chardonnay is well balanced with ripe pear, peach, and lemon zest, with minerality, and vanilla on the toasty finish, as this Chardonnay is lightly oaked. The creamy finish makes this wine an excellent companion to dense fish and cream sauces.
RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?
MQ: A red wine that caught my attention was the 2018 Familia Torres ‘Gran Coronos’ Reserva from Penedes in Spain. This blend Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo is a crowd pleaser with notes of ripe blackberries, black cherries, plumb, spice, and white pepper, with smoke and cocoa on the finish. This red is rich and full bodied, and has aged for a minimum of three years with at least 12 months in oak. We know this from the Reserva designation on the label. Consider this bottle as your go-to to pair with richly sauced proteins and pasta.
RT: So Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a “must-try”?
MQ: A must try is a classic Old World grape varietal grown in the New World. Consider the 2019 Forlorn Hope Picpoul from Napa Valley in CA. Picpoul grown predominately in the Rhone Valley of France, also thrives in the Mediterranean climate of Napa. This fresh and crisp white wine features bright acidity, lemon and lime zest, and grapefruit, with notes of herbs such as sage and thyme, with a touch of salinity on the finish. Picpoul is a refreshing aperitif, or to pair with shellfish and light fare.
RT: These are some great calls.
So, you know I’m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?
MQ: Another crowd-pleasing red wine to consider for the table is the 2019 Vignerons de Buxy Mercurey in Brugundy, France. Murcurey is a subregion of Burgundy that produces standout Pinot Noir. This bottle features aromas and flavors of ripe red cherries, and cranberries, balanced with notes of mushroom, earth, and smoke. The firm tannins make this an excellent pairing with pork and lamb.
RT: Ooh, Terrific.
Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind. any other great value wines you’d point us to?
MQ: A must try white wine of excellent quality and value is the 2021 Winzer Krems ‘13’ Gruner Veltliner form Austria. The ‘13’ is for the address of Winzer Krems, one of the top wineries in Austria. This Gruner Veltliner is medium bodied, bright and fresh with notes of white flowers, ripe pear, and thyme, with a mineral finish. Pair this Gruner with shellfish and spicy food.
RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?
MQ: Consider the 2020 Domaine de Clayou Anjou in the Loire Valley of France. Anjou is a subregion within the Loire Valley that produces this standout Cabernet Franc. Clayou is a family run winery established in 1920. This quality/value Cabernet Franc features ripe red cherries, fig, and prune, with notes of lavender, black pepper, olives, and earth. An excellent pairing with savory dishes.
RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?
MQ: Of the many standout selections on Gibbet Hill Grill’s list, one to consider taking your experience to the next level is the 2017 Henschke ‘Mt Edelstone’ Shiraz from the Eden Valley of Australia. This highly sought-after, 98 point rated Shiraz is produced by the Henschke family winery, who have been producing such famed bottles for over 150 years. This single vineyard Shiraz features ripe blackberries, ripe blueberries, and currants, with notes of lavender, licorice, sage, and mint on the lingering finish. Enjoy this stellar Shiraz with all richly sauced proteins and any special occasion.
RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Gibbet Hill Grill’s wine list. I can’t wait to go try them myself.
To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.
If you would like Sam to review one of your favorite restaurants, please send us email to: Info@CorkRules.Com or visit our web website where we have a request form available.
We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please check out our website for and download the CorkRules app for iOS. It makes personalized wine recommendations at over 40K restaurants, allows you to connect with friends and has price transparency. Order wine with confidence.
And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.
Thank you.
End
Want to request a Restaurant?
Interested in having a restaurant’s wine list featured in a future podcast episode? Let us know here.
Related Episodes
Sandbar
- 55 Main St, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- 6:1 min
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Sandbar. A winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, this list features a beautiful selection of Old World and New World favorites. Michaela identifies the tasting notes of full-bodied reds, fresh bright Italian whites, Grand Crus and value wines, and offers pairing suggestions with a wide range of dishes on the menu.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2020 Corey Creek Vineyard Cabernet Franc Blanc, Long Island
-
2020 Villa Pozzi Grillo, Sicily
-
2018 Heritiers de Comte, Lafon, Burgundy
Mirabelle at Three Village Inn
- 150 Main St, Stony Brook, NY 11790, USA
- 6:59 min
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas talk tasting notes and wine pairings with a stellar selection of wines from Mirabelle at Three Village Inn. This restaurant has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and offers a truly cosmopolitan wine list, featuring wine by region and varietal. Michaela identifies the tasting notes on wines that must not be missed for the discerning oenophile and discovers a few gems for the adventurous wine lover, including a dessert wine from Greece and a beautiful white Bordeaux.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2017 Corte Pagliare Verdieri, Lambrusco Rosato “Ven Crud”, Emilia Romagna, Italy
-
2018 Domaine du Coulet-Matthieu Barret “Et La Banniere”, Crozes-Hermitage, France
-
2017 Charles Smith “Kung Fu Girl” Riesling, Washington
The Red Fox
- 6:44 min
Certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan, and Robert Tas review the wine list at The Red Fox, a restaurant renowned for locally sourced, four-course dining with local wine pairings. They also offer Pub fare and an exceptional wine list. Michaela reviews the best wines on the list, including a Viognier that is a perfect companion to herb-roasted chicken and salmon, a Cabernet Franc that is an excellent pairing with herbed and savory dishes, and a remarkable blend of zinfandel, petit syrah, and Carignane.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2020 Pollak Vineyards Viognier, Greenwood, VA
-
2021 Argiolas, Costamolino Vermentino, Southern Italy
-
2017 Gimenez Mendez, Alta Reserva Tennat, Uruguay
The Edge
- 109 N County Line Rd, Jackson Township, NJ 08527, United States
- 6:32 min
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at The Edge in Jackson, New Jersey, offering a New American menu with subtle Latin and Asian influences. If you are uncertain of which wine pairs well with the subtle combination of spices and herbs, don’t worry, from seafood and sushi to pastas and proteins, Michaela identifies the wines that pair well with the dishes on the menu, and she points out a few unique bottles that will add to the table conversation.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2016 La Colombera, “Derthona” Timorasso, Piedmont
-
2017 Donnafugatta “Tancredi”, Sicily
-
2017 Bernhard Ott, Gemischter Satz, Austria
Strega
- 379 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113, USA
- 5:43 min
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas navigate the wine list at Strega in Boston’s historic North End. Strega’s wine list offers renowned wines in half-bottle formats from both Old and New World, and, as classic Italian restaurant they offer a standout Italian selection, too. In addition to a few Super Tuscans and superior chardonnays, Michaela chooses wines that showcase ripe pear, cantaloupe, and lime zest, wines that feature bright acidity, ripe cranberries, raspberries, red cherries, cedar, clove, and cocoa, and wines that sing with notes of honeysuckle, white flowers, ripe peach, green apple, and grapefruit. If these wines don’t tickle your palate and take your dining experience to a new level, call the doctor. It’s time for a checkup.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2020 Feudi di San Grigorio, Greco di Tufo, Italy
-
2019 Terrabianca Campaccio, Italy
-
2020 Colosi Nero d’Avola, Italy
1770 House
- 143 Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937, USA
- 6:36 min
Certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan and Robert Tas review the wine list at 1770 House in East Hampton. They have received the annual Wine Spectator Award of Excellence consecutively since 2007, and they offer high-end half bottles and magnums in addition to an extensive list of wines from around the world. As she reviews the list, Michaela identifies wines with bright acidity, lime zest, tropical fruit, minerality, with notes of saline on the almond finish; dried apricot, candied fruit, honey, and caramel, or how about a wine that features notes of plumb, fig, and ripe blackberries with notes of licorice and cola on the finish? To help you choose from this range of delicious choices, Michaela offers pairing suggestions that will help ensure the meal you choose pairs beautifully with the wine.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2020 Domaine La Sufferene Rose, France
-
2013 Felsina Vin Santo, Tuscany
-
2018 Oremus “Mandolas” Dry Furmint, Hungary
Bricco
- 241 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113, USA
- 6:41 min
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a trip to Boston’s North End to review the wine list at Bricco where guests enjoy Italian cuisine and a unique wine experience from the enoteca (wine bar) with an exceptional selection of all-Italian wines. Bricco is renowned for their great wine collection and signature cocktails all to be enjoyed in an intimate and cozy atmosphere.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2019 Super Tuscan Brancaia “Tre”, Tuscany
-
2020 Vesevo Falanghina, Campania
-
2019 Pojer y Sandri Muller Thurgau, Alto Adige
Tresca
- 6:15 min
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Tresca in Boston’s North End. This restaurant wins yearly recognition from Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice and Open Table’s Diners’ Choice. Their Italian dominant wine list also features crowd-pleasing New World favorites and Michaela takes us on a tour of Italy’s wine regions as she points out stellar wines from various vineyards.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2020 Surrau Limizzani Vermentino, Sardinia
-
2019 Tenuta di Ghizzano, Tuscany
-
2016 Tenuta Sant’Antonio Amarone della Valpoicella, Veneto
Tuscarora
- 7:8 min
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Tuscarora Mill, affectionately known as Tuskies. While the cuisine here is classic American fare, the wine list offers an extensive choice of Old World and New World favorites, organic and biodynamic selections, and several, carefully selected local wines. Michaela kicks off the review in Italy, moves over to Spain, and continues the exploration of wines from France, Portugal, and Argentina; she also identifies a few exceptional local wines from Virginia.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2020 Borgo Paglianetto Verdicchio, Marche of Italy
-
2019 Bodegas Epifanio Erial from Ribera del Duero, Spain
-
2019 Domaine Equis, Domaine des Lises from the Crozes-Hermitage
Trio Grill
- 8100 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA
- 7:14 min
Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the Trio Grill in Falls Church, Virginia where the focus is on offering the finest steaks, the freshest seafood, and, most importantly, an extensive, award-winning wine list. Michaela identifies standout, Old and New World favorites, wines to pair with salmon, tuna, scallops, and spicy dishes, and a chardonnay with bright acidity, ripe green apple, and ripe pear, along with notes of brioche and honey with a creamy finish.
Wines reviewed include:
-
2021 Badenhorst “Secateurs” Chenin Blanc, Swartland, South Africa
-
2020 Domaine Frederic Esmonin Les Genevrieres, Burgundy
-
2019 Mer Soleil, Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands, California
Use the QR Code or
click on Download to install!